Shock-absorbing mechanism



Nov. 8, 1927. 1,648Q319 J. F. OCONNQR SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM .Filed Feb.l8 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet '1 v fave/1251 @Mffll'anndf WM) sides of the longitudinal center thereof to provide V-shaped openings 3232 adapted to receive the corresponding V-shaped projections of the adjacent casings A and B.

As most clearly shown in Figures 1 and 2, the spring plates D are arranged in four gangs, a gang being interposed between each s set of casings A and C, and a gang being interposed between each of the casings O and the central casing B. The number of plates in each gang may be varied in accordance with the requirements to be met in the draft gear,'and as herein shown each gang is preferably composed of fourteen rear ends of the mechanism are seated in the recesses 22 of the front and rear caslngs A, thus preventing lateral displacement of the corresponding gangs of plates with reference to the casings A. Each plate also has the extreme lateral edges thereof curled over as indicated at 34, the curled edge of one plate overhanging the corresponding curled'edge of the next adjacent plate of the same group. It will be evident that curved surfaces are thus presented at the lateral sides of the plates of each gang. curling over the edges of the plates, clamageto the adjacent parts of the draft rigging by gouging is effectively prevented. It is also pointed out that the inter-engaging overhanging curved edges of the plates also aid in preventing relative lateraldisplacement of the plates of each gang. The in-' nermost plates of the two gangs D associated with'the central casing B have the ridges of the corrugations seated in the grooves22 of the wall 25 of the casing, thus preventing lateral displacement of these two groups with reference to the casings. As most clearly shown in Figure 1, the two inner gangs of plates are arranged reversely to the two outer gangs. The gangs of plates areentirely housed within the casings A, B and C, and the side and top walls of'the latter preclude engagement of the edges of theplates with the draft sills,.thus protectingthedraft sills, from damage. Bythe ar rangement of housing shown, wherein the top and bottom walls of the same are provided With mating V-shaped projections and openings, the danger of vertical displacement of the platesrelatively to each other is entirely obviated as all of the plates are continuously in. contact with the top and bottom walls of the casings regardless of By thus placement by providing the plates with the a l f interfitting corrugations.

'The operation of my improved shock absorbing mechanism is as follows: During a compression stroke, the front andrear cas-. ings A will be moved relatively toward each other, thereby compressing the four gangs of plates between the transverse walls of the casings A, B and C. As the end walls of the outer casings A are convex and the trans-. verse central walls of the casings C have concave surfaces, the plates of the two outer gangs will be correspondingly curved during compression of the mechanism. 7 Due to the convexity and concavity of the trans verse Walls of the casings and C, the plates of the two innermost gangs will also be flexed but in a direction opposite to that of the plates of the two outer gangs. The

described action will continue either until siliency of the flexed plates, the parts will all be restored to the normal position shown in Figural. Q WVhile I have herein shown and described what I .nowconsider the preferred manner of carrying out my invention, the same is merely illustrative, and I contemplate all changes and modifications that come within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Iclaim: A I r 1. In a shock-absorbing mechanism, the combination with front and rear, relative-' ly movable follower casings having end walls provided with curved interior surfaces; of a casing interposed between said follower casings, said lastnamed casing having a transverse central wall providedrwith curved surfaces on the opposite sides there'- of; a plurality of spring plates housed within said casings, said plates being arranged in groups and the end plates of eachgroup co-operatingwith the curved walls of two of said casings respectively; and co-acting means on the plates of each gang for prereversely curved bearing surfaces on the front and rear sides thereof, said opposed bearing surfaces of said mechanism being curved in the same direction; a group of substantially fiat spring plates interposed ing, flexed upon relative approach of said follower means, the side edgesof allof said plates being curled over in the same direction, the curved edges of each plate overhanging the adjacent plate, thereby presenting curved surfaces at the side of the plates to prevent damage to the adjacent members of the draft rigging.

In witness that I claim the have hereunto subscribed my name'this 15th day of February-1926. g

foregoing I i JOHN F. OCO'N'NORQ 

